Then Jacob kissed Rachel
In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss could signify various things, including a greeting, a sign of respect, or an expression of affection. In this context, Jacob's kiss is likely an expression of familial affection and joy at meeting a relative. This act also foreshadows the deep love Jacob will develop for Rachel, which becomes a central theme in the narrative. The kiss is not romantic at this point but rather a customary greeting among relatives. This moment marks the beginning of a significant relationship that will shape Jacob's life and the future of Israel.

and wept aloud.
Jacob's weeping signifies a profound emotional response, reflecting both relief and joy. Having fled from his brother Esau and traveled a great distance, Jacob's tears may also express the culmination of his journey and the fulfillment of God's promise to be with him. This emotional display highlights the importance of family and God's providence in Jacob's life. The weeping can also be seen as a type of Christ, who wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), showing deep compassion and connection to humanity. Jacob's tears underscore the theme of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His covenant promises through the patriarchs.

1. Jacob
The son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob is a central patriarch in the biblical account. At this point in Genesis, he is on a journey to find a wife from his mother's family in Haran.

2. Rachel
The daughter of Laban, Rachel is introduced as a shepherdess. She becomes a significant figure in Jacob's life, eventually becoming his wife.

3. The Well
The setting of this encounter is a well, a common meeting place in ancient times, symbolizing life and sustenance. It is where Jacob first meets Rachel.

4. The Kiss
Jacob's kiss is a culturally significant gesture, indicating familial connection and affection. It is not romantic in the modern sense but rather a greeting and expression of joy.

5. Weeping Aloud
Jacob's emotional response signifies the culmination of his journey and the providential meeting with Rachel, reflecting both relief and joy.Providence and Guidance
God's hand is evident in the meeting of Jacob and Rachel, reminding us of His guidance in our lives. We should trust in His timing and provision.

Emotional Expression
Jacob's weeping shows that expressing emotions is a natural and healthy response to significant life events. We should not shy away from showing our emotions, especially in moments of divine encounter.

Cultural Context
Understanding the cultural context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of the text. We should strive to learn about the historical and cultural background of Scripture to deepen our understanding.

Family and Heritage
Jacob's journey to find a wife from his own people underscores the importance of family and heritage. We should value and honor our familial connections and heritage.

Divine Encounters
Just as Jacob's life was marked by divine encounters, we should be open to recognizing and responding to God's presence in our daily lives.(11) Jacob kissed Rachel . . . and wept.--Jacob first made himself, useful to Rachel, and then discloses to her who he is, claims her as a cousin, and kisses her. Then, overcome with joy at this happy termination of his long journey, and at finding himself among relatives, he can restrain his feelings no longer, but bursts into tears. In this outburst of emotion we see the commencement of his lifelong affection for the beautiful child whom he thus opportunely met.

Verse 11. - And Jacob kissed Rachel, - in demonstration of his cousinly affection. If Jacob had not yet discovered who he was to the fair shepherdess, his behavior must have filled her with surprise, even allowing for the unaffected simplicity of the times; but the fact that she does not resent his conduct as an undue liberty perhaps suggests that he had first informed her of his relationship to the inmates of Laban s house (Calvin). On kissing vide Genesis 27:26 - and lifted up his voice, and wept - partly for joy in finding his relatives (cf. Genesis 43:30; Genesis 45:2, 14, 15); partly in grateful acknowledgment of God's kindness in conducting him to his mother s brother's house.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Jacob
יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

kissed
וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק (way·yiš·šaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

Rachel
לְרָחֵ֑ל (lə·rā·ḥêl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7354: Rachel -- a wife of Jacob

and wept
וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃ (way·yê·ḇək)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

aloud.
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א (way·yiś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take


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OT Law: Genesis 29:11 Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his (Gen. Ge Gn)